Boat Registration

In the District of Columbia, boat registration is handled differently from registration for cars and other land-based motor vehicles. Rather than being overseen by the Department of Motor Vehicles, boat titling and registration falls under the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Police Department's harbormaster.

Having said that, there are many similiarities between registering a car and registering a boat:

• Like a car, most boats need to be titled and registered.

• They must have a hull identification number (HIN)―the nautical equivalent of a vehicle identification number―and display a boat number on the bow (this is different from the HIN).

• Boats must be registered every year and display current registration tags when being used on the district's waterways.

Titles

The DC Boat Titling Act governs the registration of vessels that will be used on district waters. The act requires that such boats have a certificate of title issued by the harbormaster before they can be registered or have their registration renewed. In order to get a title for your boat, you'll have to show proof of ownership and pay a $2 title and title tax fee.

Registration

As mentioned, boats need to be registered each year. Registration expires on December 31. Boats without a motor cost $10 to register, regardless of length. Registration fees for motorized boats are based on the vessel's length, as follows:

• Less than 16 feet: $15

• 16 feet to less than 26 feet: $25

• 26 feet to less than 40 feet: $35

• More than 40 feet: $60

When you first register the boat, you'll be issued a certificate of number; this must remain on board as long as the vessel is registered in DC It's not uncommon to be asked to show this certificate to law enforcement, so keep it somewhere handy (and dry).

Validation stickers are issued each year when you renew the registration. You must affix these to the bow of the boat within six inches of the boat number.

Selling Your Boat

When it's time to part with your boat or watercraft (maybe you're upgrading!), fill out the Assignment of Title section on the back side of the title and give the title to the new owner. This should happen when the boat is sold, traded, or otherwise transferred.

The boat's new owner will then pay all taxes and title and registration fees directly to:

• Harbor Master

• Metropolitan Police Department

• 550 Water St. SW

• Washington, DC 20024

Further Legal and Safety Information

Be sure to read the Metropolitan Police Department's Harbor Legal Requirements for more information, particularly how to properly display boat numbers. Also check out the department's boating safety information.